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Strong, capable and resourceful communities are vital for the social and economic growth of the Highlands and Islands. Our communities generate economic activity, have an important social impact and help to attract new talent to the area.
Our approach to supporting communities is flexible. We listen to you, and collaborate with you, to help you influence long-term change in your own community.
We focus our efforts and invest our resources where we can enhance inclusive growth - growth that benefits everyone - and sustainability. We’re always looking to increase connections between local businesses, public agencies and community organisations.
Browse the range of support service below that are available to apply for online. If you'd like to have a chat about how else we can support your community, please get in touch.
Grants of up to £2,000 are available through the Community Assets Knowledge Exchange programme to support training and learning experiences related to owning land or buildings.
The Scottish Land Fund provides funding for community organisations across Scotland to own land, buildings and other assets.
Find out what your rights are under the legislation of the Community empowerment Act.
We have up to £5,000 available to help communities investigate the ownership, register an interest and apply to purchase land and buildings through our Community Right to Buy Fund.
The support for Communities framework provides community-led organisations access to defined, expert help and practical support to increase sustainability and achieve social/environmental impacts.
Fill out our enquiries form to see how we can help you.
Increasing the role of communities in the ownership and management of land and assets
voluntary and community groups in our region
of community enterprises been operating for 10 years or more
of community enterprises provide services to public
of community enterprises would like help to attract new talent
Meet some of the remarkable people, enterprises and organisations we work with every day.
The impacts of community land ownership on the local economy
Not for profit business provides life-changing service
The benefits of social enterprise on a plate
Communities striving for net zero
Paving change for those living with hidden disabilities
South West Mull & Iona Development was set up in 2010 to help this remote part of Scotland reach its full potential by consulting with the community and focussing on areas of improvement.
A development trust since 2004
The Shieling Project, an off-grid learning centre, that invites and encourages everyone to experience outdoor living, harnesses centuries old skills as a blueprint to a more sustainable future.
Soirbheas, a registered charity, work to strengthen and support the communities of Glen Urquhart and Strathglass, through revenues from local renewable energy schemes.
HIE supports Inverness bases social enterprise, Highland Blincraft, develop and grow its range of employment opportunities.
Hear how the community of Westray use their wind turbine to facilitate other services supporting locals and improving their quality of life.
Community leading on priorities and opportunities
How community-led wind energy is growing the biodiversity of the Outer Hebrides.
Wach our video to find out how the community of Sandwick are developing local and visitors services to sustain their community.
The West Harris Trust were the first community company to purchase its crofting estate from the Scottish Government in 2010. Read more about their journey here.
Developing the future of island hydro power
From London consultancy to high quality, ethical fashion production.
Find out what can be achieved when community is at the heart of local development
Island pioneers sharing learning in the local energy economy.
Find out how the community has developed a scheme with environmental and community benefits.
An island wide approach - community at the heart of tourism
Transforming lives through reuse and recycling.
What does a community-led tourism project look like?
Arts, education and science combine to explore food production and construction, with positive benefits for our climate
Heating a community, fighting fuel poverty and saving the planet.
Creative social enterprise supporting the wellbeing of islanders
